Orzo and Potato Parmesan

A nicely seasoned side dish which I particularly like as it has more substance than just orzo alone.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  cup orzo pasta, uncooked
• 2  teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2  cups raw potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1⁄2 cup raw carrot, sliced
• 1  onion, chopped
• 3⁄4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano
•  salt and pepper
• 3  cups water
• 1  cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Directions

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; stir in the orzo and garlic and saute until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots and onion to the pan and continue to cook and stir until the onion and carrot become tender (5-10 minutes).
3. Season the mixture with the basil, oregano, salt and pepper (remember the parmesan will also add saltiness).
4. Add the water to the pan and bring to a boil.
5. Partially cover the pan, reduce heat to a simmer and cook about 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the water is nearly completely absorbed (remove cover after 12 minutes if you need still to cook a good deal of liquid off).
6. Stir in the parmesan cheese and serve immediately.